MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the team announced Thursday, securing the services of the world’s most decorated player for three additional years.
Messi, thirty-eight, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a two-and-a-half-year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his deal. The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the field of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed his desire to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team makes the move from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will play the final matches of the 2025 campaign at Chase Stadium before kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new standards on and off the pitch by leading Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy before going on to inspire Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and league record for most points in a single season.
Individually, Messi has won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after recording twenty-nine goals in just twenty-eight games. Messi also has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favorite to become the first player to clinch the award on two consecutive occasions.
The club has seen a massive rise in global popularity with Messi on the roster. His pink number ten jersey has been MLS’ highest seller since he joined the league, and he has added to his massive off-field business empire since coming to the United States, even starring in a Super Bowl ad last year.
Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since Messi’s arrival, climbing to a reported one point one nine billion dollars as of January 2025. The league has prospered as well, with ticketing revenue reaching an all-time high in 2025. Five clubs have broken their attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league. We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”
Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who previously announced their retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season. Busquets and Alba will compete with Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs with the hopes of clinching one final trophy as players.
Luis Suárez may also play his final games with the club, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. Though Suárez has yet to announce an extension with the club, Mas previously insisted the door remains open for him at Inter Miami should the Uruguayan choose to stay for another season.
The contract extension represents a major commitment by both Messi and Inter Miami to continue building one of MLS’ most successful and high-profile franchises. Messi will be forty-one years old when the contract expires at the end of the 2028 season, having potentially spent five and a half years in Major League Soccer.
The timing of the announcement, coming during the playoffs, underscores the club’s confidence in its long-term trajectory and Messi’s continued ability to perform at an elite level despite his age. His performance in the 2025 regular season, culminating in the Golden Boot award, demonstrated that he remains one of the most dominant players in MLS.
The new stadium at Miami Freedom Park has been a long-anticipated project for the club and is expected to significantly enhance the matchday experience for fans. The facility will provide a permanent home for Inter Miami after years of playing at temporary venues in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami and Messi will now prepare for the first game of the Round 1 playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup. The team enters the playoffs as one of the favorites after a dominant regular season performance led by Messi’s goalscoring prowess.
The extension solidifies MLS’ position as a destination for elite global talent and validates the league’s strategy of attracting marquee players who can elevate the sport’s profile in North America. Messi’s impact extends beyond the field, driving merchandise sales, television ratings and international interest in Major League Soccer.
For Inter Miami, retaining Messi through 2028 provides stability and star power as the franchise transitions to its new stadium and continues to build a competitive roster around its Argentine superstar.
